Jeep Cherokee (KL): Yellow Telltale Indicator Lights

Rear Fog Light Indicator

Yellow Telltale Light What It Means
Rear Fog Light Indicator

This indicator will illuminate when the rear fog lights are on.

Engine Check/Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)

Yellow Telltale Light What It Means
Engine Check/Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)

The Engine Check/Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is a part of an Onboard Diagnostic System called OBD II that monitors engine and automatic transmission control systems. The light will illuminate when the ignition is in the ON position before engine start. If the bulb does not come on when turning the key from OFF to ON/RUN, have the condition checked promptly.

Certain conditions, such as a loose or missing gas cap, poor quality fuel, etc., may illuminate the light after engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light stays on through several typical driving styles. In most situations, the vehicle will drive normally and will not require towing.

When the engine is running, the MIL may flash to alert serious conditions that could lead to immediate loss of power or severe catalytic converter damage. The vehicle should be serviced as soon as possible if this occurs.

CAUTION!

Prolonged driving with the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) on could cause damage to the engine control system. It also could affect fuel economy and driveability. If the MIL is flashing, severe catalytic converter damage and power loss will soon occur.

Immediate service is required.

WARNING!

A malfunctioning catalytic converter, as referenced above, can reach higher temperatures than in normal operating conditions. This can cause a fire if you drive slowly or park over flammable substances such as dry plants, wood, cardboard, etc. This could result in death or serious injury to the driver, occupants or others.

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Indicator Light - If Equipped

Yellow Telltale Light

What It Means

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Indicator Light

The "ESC Indicator Light" in the instrument cluster will come on when the ignition switch is turned to the ON/RUN position. It should go out with the engine running. If the "ESC Indicator Light" comes on continuously with the engine running, a malfunction has been detected in the ESC system. If this light remains on after several ignition cycles, and the vehicle has been driven several miles (kilometers) at speeds greater than 30 mph (48 km/h), see your authorized dealer as soon as possible to have the problem diagnosed and corrected.

  • The "ESC Off Indicator Light" and the "ESC Indicator Light" come on momentarily each time the ignition switch is turned to ON/RUN.
  • Each time the ignition is turned to ON/RUN, the ESC system will be ON, even if it was turned off previously
  • The ESC system will make buzzing or clicking sounds when it is active. This is normal; the sounds will stop when ESC becomes inactive following the maneuver that caused the ESC activation.

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) OFF Indicator Light - If Equipped

Yellow Telltale Light What It Means
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) OFF Indicator Light

This light indicates the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is off.

Tire Pressure Monitoring Indicator Light

Yellow Telltale Light What It Means
Tire Pressure Monitoring Indicator Light

The warning light switches on and a message is displayed to indicate that the tire pressure is lower than the recommended value and/or that slow pressure loss is occurring. In these cases, optimal tire duration and fuel consumption may not be guaranteed.

Should one or more tires be in the condition mentioned above, the display will show the indications corresponding to each tire in sequence.

In any situation in which the message on the display is See manual , it is ESSENTIAL to refer to the contents of the Wheels paragraph in the Technical data chapter, strictly complying with the indications that you find there.

IMPORTANT: Do not continue driving with one or more flat tires as handling may be compromised. Stop the vehicle, avoiding sharp braking and steering. Repair immediately using the dedicated tire repair kit and contact your authorized dealership as soon as possible.

Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be checked monthly when cold and inflated to the inflation pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label. If your vehicle has tires of a different size than the size indicated on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label, you should determine the proper tire inflation pressure for those tires.

As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale when one or more of your tires is significantly under-inflated.

Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illuminates, you should stop and check your tires as soon as possible and inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving on a significantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle's handling and stopping ability.

Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire maintenance, and it is the driver's responsibility to maintain correct tire pressure, even if under-inflation has not reached the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS low tire pressure telltale.

Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate when the system is not operating properly. The TPMS malfunction indicator is combined with the low tire pressure telltale. When the system detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash for approximately one minute and then remain continuously illuminated. This sequence will continue upon subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as the malfunction exists.

When the malfunction indicator is illuminated, the system may not be able to detect or signal low tire pressure as intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety of reasons, including the installation of replacement or alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the TPMS from functioning properly. Always check the TPMS malfunction telltale after replacing one or more tires or wheels on your vehicle, to ensure that the replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow the TPMS to continue to function properly.

CAUTION!

The TPMS has been optimized for the original equipment tires and wheels. TPMS pressures and warning have been established for the tire size equipped on your vehicle. Undesirable system operation or sensor damage may result when using replacement equipment that is not of the same size, type, and/or style. Aftermarket wheels can cause sensor damage. Using aftermarket tire sealants may cause the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) sensor to become inoperable. After using an aftermarket tire sealant it is recommended that you take your vehicle to an authorized dealership to have your sensor function checked.

Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) Indicator Light

Yellow Telltale Light What It Means
Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) Indicator Light

This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS). The light will turn on when the ignition switch is placed in the ON/RUN position and may stay on for as long as four seconds.

If the ABS light remains on or turns on while driving, then the Anti-Lock portion of the brake system is not functioning and service is required. However, the conventional brake system will continue to operate normally if the brake warning light is not on.

If the ABS light is on, the brake system should be serviced as soon as possible to restore the benefits of Anti-Lock Brakes. If the ABS light does not turn on when the ignition switch is placed in the ON/RUN position, have the light inspected by an authorized dealer.

Electronic Park Brake Fail Light

Yellow Telltale Light What It Means
Electronic Park Brake Fail Warning Light

This telltale will turn on to indicate the Electronic Park Brake is not functioning properly and that service is required. Contact your authorized dealership.

Low Fuel Indicator Light

Yellow Telltale Light What It Means
Low Fuel Indicator Light

When the fuel level reaches approximately 3.0 gal (11.0 L) this light will turn on, and remain on until fuel is added.

Loose Fuel Filler Cap Indicator Light - If Equipped

Yellow Telltale Light What It Means
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Indicator Light

This light will illuminate when fuel filler cap is loose. Properly close the filler cap to disengage the light. If the light does not turn off, please see your authorized dealer.

Transmission Temperature Indicator Light

Red Telltale Light What It Means
Transmission Temperature Indicator Light

This light indicates that the transmission fluid temperature is running hot. This may occur with severe usage, such as trailer towing. If this light turns on, safely pull over and stop them vehicle.

Then, shift the transmission into NEUTRAL and run the engine at idle or faster until the light turns off.

CAUTION!

Continuous driving with the Transmission TemperatureWarning Light illuminated will eventually cause severe transmission damage or transmission failure.

WARNING!

If you continue operating the vehicle when the Transmission Temperature Warning Light is illuminated you could cause the fluid to boil over, come in contact with hot engine or exhaust components and cause a fire.

Service Stop/Start System Indicator Light - If Equipped

Yellow Telltale Light What It Means
Service Stop/Start System Indicator Light

This telltale will turn on to indicate the Stop/Start system is not functioning properly and service is required.

Forward Collision Indicator Light - If Equipped

Yellow Telltale Light What It Means
Forward Collision Indicator Light

This telltale will turn on warn you of a possible collision with the vehicle in front of you.

LaneSense Indicator Light - If Equipped

Yellow Telltale Light What It Means
LaneSense Indicator Light - If Equipped

The LaneSense system provides the driver with visual and steering torque warnings when the vehicle starts to drift out of its lane unintentionally without the use of a turn signal.

  • When the LaneSense system senses a lane drift situation, the LaneSense indicator changes from solid green to solid yellow.
  • When the LaneSense system senses the lane has been approached and is in a lane departure situation, the LaneSense indicator changes from solid white/green to flashing yellow.

Refer to "LaneSense - If Equipped in "Understanding The Features Of Your Vehicle" for further information.

Low Washer Fluid Indicator Light - If Equipped

Yellow Telltale Light What It Means
Low Washer Fluid Indicator Light

This indicator will illuminate when the windshield washer fluid is low.

Adaptive Cruise Control Alert Indicator Light - If Equipped

Yellow Telltale Light What It Means
Adaptive Cruise Control Alert Indicator Light

This light will turn on when a ACC is not operating and needs service. For further information, refer to "Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)" in "Understanding The Features Of Your Vehicle."

LaneSense Failure Indicator Light - If Equipped

Yellow Telltale Light What It Means
LaneSense Failure Indicator Light

This light will turn on when the LaneSense system is not operating and needs service.

Please see your authorized dealer.

Service 4WD Indicator Light - If Equipped

Yellow Telltale Light What It Means
Service 4WD Indicator Light

If the light stays on or comes on during driving, it means that the 4WD system is not functioning properly and that service is required. We recommend you drive to the nearest service center and have the vehicle serviced immediately.

4WD Low Indicator Light - If Equipped

Yellow Telltale Light What It Means
4WD Low Indicator Light

This light alerts the driver that the vehicle is in the four-wheel drive LOW mode. The front and rear driveshafts are mechanically locked together forcing the front and rear wheels to rotate at the same speed. Low range provides a greater gear reduction ratio to provide increased torque at the wheels.

Refer to "Four-Wheel Drive Operation - If Equipped" in "Starting And Operating" for further information on four-wheel drive operation and proper use.

Rear Axle Lock Indicator Light - If Equipped

Yellow Telltale Light What It Means
Rear Axle Lock Indicator Light

This light indicates when the rear axle lock has been activated.

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    Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
    This system enhances directional control and stability of the vehicle under various driving conditions. ESC corrects for oversteering or understeering of the vehicle by applying the brake of the appropriate wheel(s) to assist in counteracting the oversteer or understeer condition. Engine power ...